Unforgettable

After we finished our ramen, I took a moment to look out the restaurant window. The sky was beginning to take on warm shades. The afternoon was slowly falling over Tokyo, covering the city with a soft, golden light that slipped between the buildings. The atmosphere had that unique charm of a summer sunset: not too hot, not too cold—just perfect.

We left the restaurant as a group. The girls went ahead, walking together, laughing and talking about how good everything had been. I stayed at the back, as always, carrying the bags with the dresses they had chosen. I didn't mind at all; on the contrary, I felt that this small gesture was part of the bond we had built.

As we walked along the sidewalk, I lifted my gaze to the sky, which was slowly darkening. I whispered in my mind, with a mix of gratitude and peace:

Thank you… thank you for giving me this opportunity, for allowing me to feel this sense of happiness, of companionship, of being part of something real.

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting myself be wrapped in that simple yet powerful moment. I kept walking, guided by the girls' voices, as if that instant of gratitude had been stored in my chest as another treasured memory.

After walking for a while through streets already lit by the city's signs and lights, we reached the station. Standing at the entrance, I turned my gaze toward Tokyo one last time.

"Thank you, Tokyo. Thank you for this day. I won't forget it."

I closed my eyes tightly, as if trying to engrave that image into my memory, and then walked through the station doors. I caught up with the girls on the platform, just in time to hear the train announcement:

—次の駅は京都です —announced the system's voice. The next station: Kyoto.

We patiently waited for the passengers to get off the train before boarding. We found seats together and settled in. The car wasn't too crowded, so we had no trouble sitting down.

I sat by the window, still holding the bags, and watched the girls. They laughed together, sharing stories about the day—remembering moments from the mall, the restaurant, and of course, their dress selections. Seeing them like this—cheerful, relaxed, and being themselves—filled me with a calm happiness, one that didn't need words. I could only think:

They're my family now… and seeing them happy is all I want.

Yet, I still carried that thorn inside: one day I would have to tell them the whole truth about me… what I am, what I carry within, what I hide. Kaori already knew part of it, a piece of me. But the secrets I bear won't stay hidden forever. I just hope that when that day comes, they won't walk away.

The train began to move, leaving Tokyo behind. I leaned my head against the seatback and looked out the window as the city slowly faded. The lights, the skyscrapers, the lively streets… all disappeared like a dream you say goodbye to.

I smiled silently, getting more comfortable in my seat. I closed my eyes, still listening to the girls' voices, their joy wrapping around me like a warm hug.

I'm ready to return to Kyoto… and to whatever comes next.

Once again, I closed my eyes, letting the train's gentle sway relax me. I wanted to rest a bit after such a special day—one that would be hard to repeat. I felt at peace… until a familiar, energetic voice broke the calm:

—We're here! —the girls said in unison.

I quickly opened my eyes and saw them just starting to get up from their seats. To hide the fact that I'd nearly fallen asleep, I straightened up naturally, stretched my arms slightly, and let them go ahead first. Once they stepped out, I followed, still carrying the dress bags.

As we exited the station, I noticed that night was beginning to fall. The sky had that deep blue shade of early evening, and the air felt cooler, carrying the scent of street food and summer flowers. I pulled out my phone and checked the time: 8:02 p.m.—a quiet hour, perfect for ending the day.

Despite the time, the streets were still alive: steaming food stalls, warm shop lights, families strolling, and young people laughing as they ordered takoyaki. It amazed me… how could there be so much life at night? It was as if the city refused to surrender to sleep.

I got distracted by everything around me until I noticed the girls were getting ahead. I jogged lightly to catch up, but before reaching them, I slowed down, readjusting the bags in my arms. I didn't want to interrupt their conversation. They walked happily, laughing together, while I followed behind, smiling quietly, lost in an important thought.

Tomorrow is my date with Kaori…

Where would I take her? What would we do? I only knew one thing for sure: I wanted it to be special for both of us.

And besides… there were only four days left until the ceremony. That thought filled me with both excitement and nervousness.

Everything is coming… fast.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I didn't notice the figure who appeared before us. A familiar voice brought me back to reality:

—You're here! —he said enthusiastically.

It was Tom, waiting for us at the temple entrance, greeting us with a wide smile. The girls greeted him first, cheerfully, and I also smiled in greeting. There was something warm and comforting about returning to this place.

We entered the temple and immediately felt the contrast from the city's bustle. Here, calm reigned. The gentle sound of the television filled the air, while the elderly master sat in the living room, a steaming cup of tea in his hands. His serene gaze rested on us, and he smiled.

—How was your day, young ones? —he asked, his tone slow and full of affection.

Ren was the first to answer, smiling brightly:

—It was great, Master! We had a wonderful time.

The elderly man nodded, pleased by our answer. Then he slightly raised his cup and said with a calm smile:

—Glad to hear it. And by the way, would you like some tea? It's freshly made.

The girls replied in unison, full of enthusiasm:

—Yes, Master!

Masha cheerfully added:

—A good cup of tea was just what we needed.

Kaori, relaxed, added:

—That's right… nothing like the temple's tea to end the day.

I just smiled silently, feeling the weight of the day slowly melt away, replaced by the peace that only a place that feels like home can give you.

I carefully set the dress bags down in the living room, right beside the small cabinet, making sure they were neatly arranged and wrinkle-free. Then I headed to the table where everyone was seated, ready to enjoy a nighttime cup of tea. Just as I was about to serve myself, I heard Kaori's soft, cheerful voice:

—Leo, your tea is ready —she said with a smile, gesturing for me to come over.

Gratefully, I sat down beside her and wrapped my hands around the hot cup. I took a deep breath, letting the tea's gentle aroma relax me. I took a small sip and felt the warmth spread through my body, helping me unwind completely.

While I drank in peace, the girls began telling the master about our day in Tokyo. They laughed together as they excitedly recounted the details—the dresses, the shops, the ramen, and the unexpected moments that made us laugh. The master listened attentively, smiling with warmth, and Tom occasionally joined in with a joke or comment.

The scene was warm, familiar… peaceful. The sound of cups gently touching their saucers, the quiet laughter, and the murmur of the TV in the background made everything feel like a true home.

I finished my cup, sighed contentedly, and got up from the table calmly. I said goodbye to everyone with a relaxed smile.

—I'm going to sleep. See you tomorrow. Rest well.

They all replied almost at the same time, in soft voices:

—Good night, Leo.

I walked silently down the hallway, feeling the peace of that moment follow me into my room. I stepped inside and closed the door gently. I took off my socks and day clothes, folding them neatly to the side. Then I put on my pajamas, that comfortable garment that already felt like part of my routine.

I sat down on my futon, letting my muscles relax after so much walking. I glanced up for a few seconds, and my eyes rested on Kaori's futon, just across the room. I smiled faintly, wondering what our date tomorrow would be like. Where could we go? What words would we exchange? I only hoped it would be as special as everything we had experienced today.

Slowly, my eyelids grew heavy. I closed my eyes, feeling sleep slowly wrap around me. In seconds, everything faded into darkness…

And so, I ended a day I knew I would never forget